Practice question

What should you generally do when merging onto a highway?

  1. Speed up to match the traffic flow
  2. Come to a complete stop before merging
  3. Merge without checking mirrors
  4. Weave between lanes

Answer: A — Speed up to match the traffic flow

When merging onto a highway, it is important to speed up to match the traffic flow. This practice helps ensure a smooth transition onto the highway, allowing you to fit into the existing traffic without causing disruption. By accelerating to a similar speed as the vehicles already on the highway, you reduce the risk of collisions and help maintain a steady flow of traffic. Creating a safe merging situation relies heavily on your ability to integrate harmoniously with the other vehicles, which is achieved by matching their speed. It’s also crucial to use your mirrors and check your blind spots before merging to confirm that it's safe to enter the lane, though this aspect is not directly addressed in the correct answer. Maintaining momentum while merging improves safety and promotes efficient traffic flow overall.

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